Offering thangka

Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts

This is an offering thangka depicting a temple structure, with Śākyamuni Buddha, Maсjuśrī, Brahmā and a deity mounted on a tortoise above. The four figures, aligned vertically, radiate light and are surrounded by a rainbow circle. The golden roofed temple includes a variety of offerings, including religious texts, a golden treasure vase, a silver ingot, a coral branch, a conch, torma, auspicious jewels and substances. At the base are arrows, spindles and threadcrosses. The whole structure is enclosed by jeweltopped walls and surmounted by parasols. On the left is a pennanted arrow with a mirror, to symbolise wisdom, and on the right is a mace to symbolise method. To the left and right of the deity circle are the Seven Precious Possessions of the Cakravartin and the Four Harmonious Friends. On the left of the temple is a winged animal-headed deity on a monkey and a garuḍa on a snake; on the right is a winged animal-headed deity riding a black bear and a winged deity on a tiger. These may represent variations on the guardians of the four quarters of the universe, as represented on lungta. However, on the windhorse prayer flag, the animals depicted are the garuḍa, dragon, snow lion and tiger. There is also a consecrated horse and cow. At the top is an ornate parasol with auspicious gems, and below a snow-capped hilly landscape. The function of such an offering thangka is to protect the household and its inhabitants from all harm.